We all know this story well: winter arrives, the couch becomes cozy, and comfort food is hard to resist. Now that summer is here and your swimsuit is beckoning, you might feel the urge to jump into a fast-paced fitness routine. However, before you dive into intense workouts, it’s important to remember that while you may be mentally ready for this challenge, your muscles and joints need to be gradually introduced to the new exercise regimen.
Selvan Naicker, Brand Manager for ActivEze™, says that transitioning from zero to high-intensity training can cause more than just next-day soreness; it can also lead to injury, burnout, and frustration. He explains that the key to getting results quickly without sidelining yourself is looking after your muscles and joints every step of the way.
How to train smart and stay strong, even if you’re starting later in the year:
- It’s tempting to dive straight into long runs, heavy weights, or back-to-back boot camps. But untrained muscles and joints need time to adapt. Begin with moderate intensity and build up. Think circuit sessions with bodyweight moves, resistance bands, and light cardio before moving on to heavier loads or longer distances.
- After months of inactivity, your muscles are less elastic and more prone to strain. Skipping warm-ups is an absolute no. Spend 10 minutes on dynamic stretches and light movement such as walking lunges, arm circles, and gentle jogging to prepare your body for training.
- Muscles and joints that haven’t been working much will be craving the nutrients they need to recover and repair. Using a supplement such as ActivEze™ capsules can help support muscle function, joint mobility, and speed up recovery while reducing joint discomfort due to exercise.
- After winter, it’s easy to forget that your body still needs hydration to work properly. Dehydration can increase cramping and slow recovery. Aim for regular sips of water throughout the day, not just during workouts.
- DOMS (delayed onset muscle soreness) is normal when you start training again, but sharp pain, swelling, or weakness is a sign to stop. Pushing through an injury now could derail your entire summer plan. Schedule at least one rest or active recovery day each week, with stretching, yoga, or swimming.
You might be working toward a summer-ready body, but the real win is building habits you can keep beyond the season. Treat your muscles and joints with care now, and you’ll not only look good for summer, but you’ll feel stronger year-round.
When you decide to start an exercise routine, you can still make progress, even if you’ve waited until the last minute to prepare for the summer. However, you can’t force your muscles and joints to work harder than they’re ready for. Train smart, eat well, and ensure proper recovery, and you will achieve results without risking injury.
*The information provided is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns regarding your health
